MY SHEEP
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 34-35
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Sheep grazing in Israel. There are two sheep dogs in this picture. One is up front. Can you find the other one among the sheep. Someone has suggested that “goodness and mercy” are the two sheep dogs of Psalm 23, charged with protecting the sheep. In today’s reading, Ezekiel 34, God promises to gather, feed and care for His people as a shepherd would his sheep.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezekiel 34:11, 13
For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and search them out…And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.”
Because of unfaithful and self-centred leaders, the shepherds of Israel, God’s people, have fallen into the hands of their enemies and have been scattered, and the land God gave them has been desecrated. In Ezekiel 34, God, through Ezekiel, rebukes the leaders. They were to lovingly guide and build the nation in a responsible manner. The opposite was true. This resulted in God backing off until the offending generation of “shepherds” had passed off the scene, and new leaders such as Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah became the shepherds of Israel. God, Himself, assures those in Babylonian captivity, through Ezekiel, that He personally will be their Shepherd, bringing them back to good pasture on the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel reminds the people of the great shepherd king, David, who had died hundreds of years before. There is a descendant of David who referred to Himself as “The Good Shepherd!” Read John 10:11-15 for a New Testament meditation.
Ezekiel 35 shows God’s desire to turn around for good the people of Mt. Seir. These are Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (whose name God changed to “Israel”). Edom, too, shall know Who is the true Shepherd…”that I am the Lord” (35:15b).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as one of Your sheep, I pray that I will, as Jesus said, recognize Your voice and follow You closely. I’m experiencing Your promised “showers of blessing!” (34:26b). May I never stray away from You, Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
An excellent biography writer I’ve been reading lately is Eric Metaxas. He has written a number of books about various “shepherds” who have helped to lead people in the right direction. One of his books, Amazing Grace, is the story of William Wilberforce, the man God used to free the slaves throughout the British Empire. The publication of this book brought him to Canada as a guest on the 100 Huntley Street program. Again, he traveled to Canada for a TV appearance regarding his book, Bonhoeffer, the German Pastor who stood up to Hitler and exposed the evils of his regime. Click here for info about Eric’s books, which I highly recommend!
Yours for communicating the Good News of Jesus in the most effective way possible to new generations of precious never-dying souls, all of whom need Jesus,
David
Oh, Jesus, how we need You! We cling to Your Word and cloak of Your salvation. Wishing all saints a blessed day as we worship together in honour of Him. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen.
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22 NIV
David Phelps – We Shall Behold Him (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvGzrnirT8
Thank you Beverlee for this amazing rendition of this song. Many years ago, I sang this when the whole cantata was performed at Queensway Cathedral. It was an amazing experience and blessing. Most recently,Mark Masri sang it at Queensway for David’s celebration. Needless to say, he was outstanding and I am certain, David just loved it. Thank you again, Beverlee, for all your postings and thank you all my sisters and brothers in the Lord. God bless you all. Eraine
Your post is very touching, Eraine. The Holy Spirit is always at work choosing the songs, it seems. So happy it was so meaningful to you, and our David! Thank you for sharing this. God’s blessings on you! 🙂
Thank you Beverlee and Gods blessings on you!
yes, thank you Beverlee for that song!
Getting used to the way God conveys messages to his disciples and people by speaking in riddles.
I’ve read the book, Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas, and it is so amazing. I see my parents and other Protestants in a whole new light. Thank you Jesus!
There are many passages
about sheep and God being our Shepherd.
Love the symbolism of shepherd and the sheep. Thank you Beverlee and Irene for your comfort yesterday and for the song Beverlee, one of my favorites. Lovely sunny day today.
Amen, Ger.
Bless you Ger, enjoy the sunny day!!
Was a pleasure and surprise to hear you read the “vlog” on TV this morning!
The scripture today reminds me of Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Shepherd” (The Good Shepherd)
He leads me beside the still waters, where my soul is refreshed in Him!!! Praise His Holy Name!
Sorry Ron…it to read “Was a pleasure and surprise to see you and hear you, Ron, read the “vlog” ….
HELP HELP HELP
please pray the Lord will remove the ants from my home!
they are the wall of my bathroom!
it is an inside wall about 2 feet away from the very outside wall!
have tried various solutions, need someone to come in and remove the molding and work from the bottom out!
Lord please help me!
In Jesus Name I Pray
amen
Dear SAH,
Reading your prayer request long after the fact and imploring God’s gracious & “retroactive” resolution to your ant problem….in Jesus’ precious and powerful name. Amen